IL2GMB-Modern Britain: Society, History and Politics

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: IL1GMB Modern Britain: Society, History and Politics
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Lucy Watson
Email: l.a.watson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide an introduction to key aspects of modern British society, politics and history, identifying past and present issues.

Topics explored include the historical and political landscape of Post war Britain, British identities, patterns of inequality, education, religion, and Britain’s relationship with Europe.

In the Summer term students will work independently to identify and research a specific topic from the range taught in Term 1, to develop critical understanding of the underlying concepts and principles and apply these to different contexts.

Aims:

To introduce students to key aspects of life in Britain today and key political and historical events as well as debates and people in Modern Britain (post war 20th century to current days).  Students will develop an appreciation of the  complexity of what it means to be British today.  Students will have to opportunity to further an understanding of life in Britain today by focusing on a specific topic of interest.

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Critically evaluate key aspects of life in Britain today including key political and historical events.


2. Present your ideas in a clear and concise manner with effective analysis and evaluation from more than one perspective.


3. Evaluate different viewpoints and bring insights from a range of topics.


4. Articulate how skills gained in this module can be transferred to other contexts (e.g. further study or work).

Additional outcomes:

• Develop transferrable skills such as group work and discussion skills (such as conveying information clearly, expressing, seeking and responding appropriately to others). 


• Develop increased personal effectiveness, self-confidence and efficacy in working independently.


• Develop an awareness of the complexity of life in Britain today.


• Develop an ability to evaluate digital and paper sources.


• Develop digital competence skills through the search and use of relevant digital resources.

Outline content:

The first term (students can choose to start the module in autumn or spring) will consist of 10 lectures and workshops covering key concepts and theories relating to key aspects of modern British society, culture, politics and history. Topics explored will include Post war Britain, British identities, patterns of inequality, education, religion, and Britain’s relationship with Europe.

Summer term consists of four twice-weekly introductory workshops (weeks1-2 ofterm), followed by three individual project supervisions at the start and half-way through the research project. 

Global context:

The module enables students to broaden their understanding of aspects of British politics, history, society and culture today whilst reflecting on and articulating their intercultural competence, facilitating:

1. understanding and ability to communicate in a global context.


2. the cultural transitions of international students at UoR

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module is delivered using a flipped learning methodology. Before each seminar or project supervision students are expected to complete tasks.  Tasks may include watching videos, screencasts or narrated PowerPoints, reading, completing activities and participating in discussion boards. This part of the module is co-taught with IL1GMB.

In week 11 of the first term, there are group presentations researched by students on pre-determined topics.